GEST

Global Experiment on Savanna Tree Seedlings

GEST is a comparative experiment of seedling growth of savanna tree species, based on increasing evidence that the seedling stage of tree growth is critically important to the long-term dynamics of savanna systems. Research worldwide suggests there are differences in the environmental limitations constraining savanna tree seedlings in wet environments (nutrients, light, fire) and dry environments (water, nutrients, grazing). In addition, biogeographical studies have indicated that regional distribution of tree species in tropical and sub-tropical savannas in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, is related to rainfall gradients and to soil fertility, suggesting that different tree growth traits are required for each of these environments.